A feisty cat fight will be fought as North Gaston Wildcats duke it out with Forestview Jaguars at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. North Gaston has given up an average of 10.9 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Things were looking good for North Gaston after they put the first points on the board on Wednesday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They lost 22-6 to Freedom. While the Wildcats didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Patriots 6-0 in the first period.
Skylar Smith made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-2 with one home run and three RBI. That home run was her first of the season. Layla Love was another key player, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while going 2-for-2.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 20 runs the game before, Forestview was a bit more limited in their matchup on Wednesday. They took a 6-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of Palisades.
Olivia Hensley spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up ten Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Lily Cabe was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Miley Skidmore, who scored a run while going 3-for-4.
Even though they lost, Forestview hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Palisades struck out 11 times.
North Gaston has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-5 record this season. Those losses can't be blamed on the team's hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. Forestview's record now sits at 3-6.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. North Gaston has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .456. However, it's not like Forestview struggles in that department as they've averaged .438. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
North Gaston came out on top in a nail-biter against Forestview when the teams last played back in April of 2024, sneaking past 2-1. Will North Gaston repeat their success, or does Forestview have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
